Passenger module, passenger seating arrangement

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a passenger module for a vehicle cabin, the passenger module comprising a first side element, a second side element; and two seats arranged between the first side element and the second side element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/495,720, entitled “PASSENGER MODULE, PASSENGERSEATING ARRANGEMENT”, filed Sep. 19, 2019, which claims priority toPatent Cooperation Treat Application No. PCT/US2019/024780, entitled“PASSENGER MODULE, PASSENGER SEATING ARRANGEMENT”, filed Mar. 29, 2019,and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/770,863, entitled “PASSENGERMODULE, PASSENGER SEATING ARRANGEMENT”, filed Nov. 23, 2018, which areincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a passenger module for avehicle cabin, in particular for an aircraft cabin. The presentdisclosure further relates to a passenger seating arrangement for avehicle cabin, in particular an aircraft cabin.

BACKGROUND

There are a wide variety of passenger modules and passenger seatingarrangements for a vehicle cabin, in particular for an aircraft cabinknown in the prior art.

For example, the European Patent Application EP 3,127,811 A1 defines anassembly of seats and an arrangement for airplanes. The assembly ofseats comprises at least two rows of pairs of adjacent seats, whereineach seat being tilted in respect to the adjacent seat of a first angleobtained by the intersection of respective recline axis in a convergencepoint arranged rearward said pair of adjacent seats.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improvedpassenger module for a vehicle cabin, in particular for an aircraftcabin or any other passenger carrying vehicle. In particular, anadvantage of the present invention is to optimize a use of space withinthe vehicle cabin. Further, it is an object of the present disclosure toprovide an improved passenger seating arrangement and an improvedvehicle cabin.

The disclosure provides a passenger module for a vehicle cabin, inparticular an aircraft cabin, comprising two seats arranged between afirst side element and a second side element, wherein the first sideelement and the second side element extending parallel to each other.Further, the seats are arranged one behind another in an offset mannerand facing substantially in a same direction, wherein a front seat ispositioned angled by a predefined first angle around its vertical axisin a direction towards the first side element, and a rear seat ispositioned angled by a predefined second angle around its vertical axisin a direction towards the second side element.

Especially, the first angle and the second angle differ from each other.In particular, the different angles allows the front seat and the rearseat being arranged substantially one behind another as close aspossible to another to create a space-saving passenger module whilstproviding privacy to each front and rear seat passenger.

According to another aspect, each seat has a direct access, inparticular a passenger access path, to an aisle of the vehicle cabin. Astepping over a leg rest of a neighbouring seat when the neighbouringseat is in a fully reclined position is avoided. Thereby, privacy foreach passenger is increased.

In particular, the first angle is an included angle between the firstside element and a respective seat axis which runs through the verticalaxis of the front seat defining a pointing and extension direction ofthe seat. The second angle is an included angle between the second sideelement and a respective seat axis which runs through the vertical axisof the rear seat defining a pointing and extension direction of theseat.

For example, the first side element is arranged adjacent a cabin walland the second side element is arranged adjacent an aisle, wherein thefirst and second side elements are extending parallel to each other.Thereby, the pointing and extension direction of the front seat isdirected substantially towards the cabin wall. The pointing andextension direction of the rear seat is directed substantially towardsthe aisle.

Advantageously, at least a density of passenger seats within the vehiclecabin, hereafter also termed as cabin, can be optimized whilst ensuringa high comfort space to each passenger. Particularly, by using thepassenger module according to the invention a high density businessclass seating arrangement can be created while offering direct access toan aisle for all passengers including the passenger located along awindow side of the cabin.

Moreover, an optical appearance of an interior of the cabin including aplurality of identical passenger modules can be improved. Furthermore,an overall assembly can be simplified by mounting and arrangingidentical passenger modules due to a repeating pattern configuration. Inparticular, stacking a number of the disclosed passenger module allows anew arrangement of business class seats which offer comfortable seatingpositions as well as enough space for a comfortable full flat-bedposition for a corresponding passenger. Furthermore, stacking a numberof the disclosed passenger module allows optimized usage of vehiclecabins, in particular airline cabins, whilst offering as much comfort aspossible as well as arranging comparatively a higher number of seats aspossible providing more seats for each flight.

In one embodiment, an extension direction of each first and second sideelement is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle cabin.Further, the first and second side elements are arranged distanced fromeach other in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin.

According to an embodiment, the passenger module comprises a rearpartition wall which is configured, starting from the first sideelement, to extend behind the rear seat in the direction towards thesecond side element. In case of arranging two identical passengermodules behind another, the rear partition wall defines a separationbetween a front passenger module and a rear passenger module. A rearside of the rear partition wall can therefore comprise a monitor and/orstorage units for a front seat passenger of the rear passenger module.

In a possible embodiment, the passenger module comprises a frontpartition wall which is configured, starting from the first sideelement, to extend between the rear seat and the front seat in thedirection towards the second side element, and which is configured toseparate a rear passenger seating area and a front passenger seatingarea.

According to another embodiment, the front partition wall is configuredto form a continuously running wall between the first side element andthe second side element. That means that the front seat and the rearseat are fully separated in the transverse direction.

In another embodiment of the passenger module, a passenger access pathand legroom for a passenger of the rear passenger seating area areformed within the rear passenger seating area extending between thefront partition wall and the rear partition wall.

In a further embodiment of the passenger module, legroom for a passengerof the front seat is provided directly in front of the front seat,wherein a passenger access path connecting the legroom is formedextending along the front partition wall in the direction towards thesecond side element.

Each passenger seating area comprises its own and personal passengeraccess path and legroom.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the passenger module, thefirst angle comprises about 5° to 18°, preferably about 10° to 15°, withrespect to the first side element. In particular, the front seat ispositioned angled about the first angle with respect to the first sideelement.

According to a further possible embodiment, the second angle comprisesabout 20° to 40°, preferably about 25° to 35°, with respect to thesecond side element. In particular, the rear seat is positioned angledabout the second angle with respect to the second side element.

In another embodiment, each seat is configured as being adjustablebetween at least a seating position and at least a bed position.According to the adjustable seat of the present invention, the seat isformed by at least a seat pan and a backrest. Additionally, the seat maycomprise optionally a leg-rest. For instance, the seat can be broughtinto one or more positions, e.g. into a taxi, take-off, landingposition, designated as “TTL” or “TT&L”-position, an inclined positionor a sleeping position. Particularly, in the sleeping position the seatpan, the backrest and optionally the leg-rest are brought into asubstantially flat, horizontal position.

The taxi, takeoff and landing position of the seat is a position inwhich the backrest is in a substantial upright position with respect tothe seat pan. In particular, the backrest is arranged substantiallyperpendicular to a horizontally arranged seat pan. The leg-rest is alsoarranged substantially perpendicular to the horizontally arranged seatpan. For example, the backrest is positioned angled about 3° to 12° withrespect to a vertical axis. The leg-rest can be positioned angled about0° with respect to the vertical axis. It is understood that the verticalaxis is an axis running parallel to a yaw axis of the aircraft cabin.

The inclined position of the seat is a comfort position in which thebackrest and/or the leg-rest are tilted with respect to the seat pan.For example, the backrest is positioned angled about more than 12° andless than 85° with respect to the vertical axis. The leg-rest can bepositioned angled about more than 0° and less than 85° with respect tothe vertical axis.

The sleeping position of the seat is a position in which the backrestand the seat pan and optionally the leg-rest are arranged horizontallyaligned to each other forming a horizontal, flat bed. For example, thebackrest is positioned angled about more than 85° to 90° with respect tothe vertical axis. The leg-rest can be positioned angled of about 90°with respect to the vertical axis.

Relating to an embodiment of the passenger module, the first sideelement is configured as a front console element and a rear consoleelement arranged adjacent to each seat and each console element at leastcomprising a utility surface and/or storage compartments for acorresponding passenger of each seat. For example, the first sideelement is configured as a two-part element, wherein the first sideelement is assembled from the front console element and the rear consoleelement.

In another possible embodiment, the second side element is configured asa compartment element having a footwell for a rear seat passenger.

According to a further embodiment of the passenger module, thecompartment element comprises a movable tray table for the rear seatpassenger, wherein the tray table is stowed within the compartmentelement in a non-use position and is deployed towards the rear seat in ause-position. For instance, the tray table is bi-foldable.Alternatively, the tray table comprises dimensions which correspond todimensions of the second side/compartment element. When two identicalpassenger modules are arranged one behind another, the first sideelement comprises a movable tray table for a front seat passenger of therear passenger module, wherein the tray table is stowed within the firstside element in a non-use position and is deployed towards the frontseat in a use-position.

The disclosure further relates to a passenger seating arrangement for avehicle cabin comprising at least two identical passenger modules asdescribed above and hereafter.

For instance, the passenger modules are arranged one behind another in alongitudinal direction of the vehicle cabin and/or adjacent to eachother in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin.

According to an embodiment of the passenger seating arrangement, eachfirst side element is arranged adjacent a cabin wall of the vehiclecabin and each second side element is bordering an aisle of the vehiclecabin.

When at least two passenger modules are arranged behind another thefront passenger seating area of a rear passenger module, itscorresponding legroom and passenger access path are delimited by therear partition wall of the front passenger module.

When two passenger modules are arranged adjacent to each other thepassenger modules are separated by the aisle and are arrangedsymmetrically identical with respect to a central axis of the aisle.

In another embodiment, when at least two passenger modules are arrangedbehind another the first side element of the front passenger modulecomprises a footwell for the front seat passenger of the rear passengermodule. In particular, the first side element is configured as atwo-part element which is assembled from a rear seat console and a frontseat console. For example, when at least two passenger modules arearranged behind another at least the rear seat console of the frontpassenger module comprises a footwell for the front seat passenger ofthe rear passenger module.

In a further embodiment, the front seat console element and the rearseat console element of the front passenger module are configured toform an extended footwell for the front seat passenger of the rearpassenger module. For example, the front seat console element comprisesan open space which is connected to the rear seat console element toextend the footwell. Each of the console elements can comprise a supportsurface portion which are connected to each other to form a seat pan andoptionally a leg-rest extension portion when the seat is in thesleeping-position.

Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a vehicle cabin, in particular anaircraft cabin, comprising a passenger seating arrangement as describedabove. For example, the vehicle cabin comprises at least two columnsarranged along the cabin wall and at least one aisle arranged betweenthe two columns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are notlimitative of the present disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passengermodule comprising two seats in a TTL-position,

FIG. 2 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of the passengermodule comprising two seats in a sleeping-position,

FIG. 3 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passengerseating arrangement comprising two passenger modules arranged one behindanother,

FIG. 4 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passengerseating arrangement comprising a plurality of identical passengermodules,

FIG. 5 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a vehiclecabin having a passenger seating arrangement with a plurality ofidentical passenger modules,

FIG. 6 shows schematically a perspective view of an embodiment of apassenger seating arrangement within the vehicle cabin,

FIG. 7 shows schematically a perspective front view of an embodimentpassenger module comprising two seats in a TTL-position,

FIG. 8A shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passengerseating arrangement comprising two passenger modules,

FIG. 8B shows schematically a perspective side view of the passengerseating arrangement according to FIG. 8A, and

FIG. 9 shows schematically a perspective view of a side element of thepassenger module.

Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in allfigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 each shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of apassenger module M comprising two seats 1, 2, wherein FIG. 1 shows eachseat 1, 2 in a so-called TTL-position P1 and FIG. 2 shows two passengermodules M arranged behind one another, wherein each seat 1, 2 is shownin a sleeping-position P2.

For a better understanding of subsequent descriptions of the passengermodule M a coordinate system is shown in further figures. The coordinatesystem comprises a longitudinal axis x, a transverse axis y and avertical axis z in relation to an aircraft. In particular, thelongitudinal axis x defines a longitudinal direction and length of avehicle cabin 3 and corresponds to a central axis ca, e.g. a cabin axis,the transverse axis y defines a transverse direction and width of thevehicle cabin 3 and the vertical axis z defines a vertical direction andheight of the vehicle cabin 3. Exemplarily, a flight direction F isshown in further figures.

A number of passenger modules M are arranged within the vehicle cabin 3.The passenger modules M may be fitted and positioned in variousarrangements, e.g. in a staggered and angled arrangement, in the vehiclecabin 3. In particular, the passenger modules M are configured as arepeating pattern of pairs of seats 1, 2. One of the seats 2 issubstantially arranged behind the other seat 1.

The passenger module M comprises a first side element FE and a secondside element SE. The first side element FE and the second side elementSE are arranged distanced from each other while extending parallel toeach other. In particular, the first and second side elements FE, SE areextending parallel to the longitudinal axis x. For instance, each of theside elements FE, SE comprises outer side walls 4.1, 4.2. Particularly,each outer side wall 4.1, 4.2 is arranged extending parallel to thelongitudinal axis x.

Each module M defines a pair of seats 1, 2. For a repeating pattern ofpairs of seats 1, 2 a number of modules M are arranged one behindanother.

Further, the seats 1, 2 are arranged one behind another with respect tothe longitudinal direction. The seats 1, 2 are arranged in an offsetmanner, in particular with respect to the transverse axis y. With otherwords: The seats 1, 2 are arranged one behind another in a staggeredmanner. This arrangement of the seats 1, 2 allows a more densearrangement relating to the longitudinal and transverse dimension of thewhole passenger module M.

The seats 1, 2 are both facing substantially in a same direction. Inparticular, the seats 1, 2 are both forward facing with respect to theflight direction F.

Each seat 1 and 2 has a direct access, in particular a respectivepassenger access path 1.3 and 2.3, to an aisle of the vehicle cabin 3.In the shown embodiment the seat 1 is positioned at a cabin wall 3.1 orwindow side of the vehicle cabin 3 and angled toward the cabin wall 3.1with a first angle α. The seat 2 behind the other seat 1 is arrangednext to an aisle 3.2 of the cabin 3 and angled toward the aisle 3.2 ofthe vehicle cabin 3 with a greater second angle β than the first angleα. This greater second angle β open a greater passenger access path 1.3for direct access to the seat 1 arranged at the cabin wall 3.1. Astepping over of the neighbouring seat 2 arranged at the aisle 3.2 whenthe neighbouring seat 2 is in a fully reclined position is avoided (seealso the various embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 5).

The seats 1, 2 are divided into a front seat 1 and a rear seat 2,wherein the front seat 1 is arranged in front of the rear seat 2 in viewof the longitudinal and flight direction F. Both seats 1, 2 are arrangedbetween the first side element FE and the second side element SE.

The front seat 1 is positioned angled by the predefined first angle αaround its own vertical axis sz in a direction towards the first sideelement FE. The rear seat 1 is positioned angled by the predefinedsecond angle β around its own vertical axis sz′ in a direction towardsthe second side element SE. In particular, the seats 1, 2 are positionedangled in a direction pointing away from each other.

In particular, the predefined first angle α of the front seat 1 differsfrom the predefined second angle β from the rear seat 2. For instance,the predefined angle β is greater than the predefined angle α. Thisallows an improved longitudinal and transversal staggering of the seats1, 2 within the passenger module M.

For example, the front seat 1 is positioned at an angle α of about 5° to18°, preferably about 10° to 15°, with respect to the first side elementFE. In the shown embodiment, the angle α comprises about 13°.

The rear seat 2 is positioned at an angle β of about 20° to 40°,preferably about 25° to 35°, with respect to the second side element SE.In the shown embodiment, the angle β comprises about 31°.

In particular, the first angle α is an included angle between the firstside element FE and a respective seat axis sa which runs through thevertical axis sz of the front seat 1 defining a pointing and extensiondirection of the seat 1. The second angle β is an included angle betweenthe second side element SE and a respective seat axis sa′ which runsthrough the vertical axis sz′ of the rear seat 2 defining a pointing andextension direction of the seat 2. Particularly, each outer side wall4.1, 4.2 defines a reference axis for each respective seat axis sa, sa′to define each angle α, β.

For example, the first side element FE is arranged adjacent a cabin wall3.1 as shown in FIG. 5 and the second side element SE is arrangedadjacent the aisle 3.2 as shown in FIG. 5, wherein the first and secondside elements FE, SE are extending parallel to each other. Thereby, therespective seat axis sa, particularly the pointing and extensiondirection of the front seat 1 is directed substantially towards thecabin wall 3.1. The respective seat axis sa′, particularly the pointingand extension direction of the rear seat 2 is directed substantiallytowards the aisle 3.2.

The seats 1, 2 are movable, in particular convertible into lie-flatbeds. Each seat 1, 2 is formed by at least a seat pan 1.1, 2.1 and abackrest 1.2, 2.2. In particular, the rear seat 2 is arranged behind thefront seat 1 in such manner that the seat pan 2.1 is arrangedsubstantially behind the backrest 1.2 of the front seat 1 in view of thelongitudinal direction. Due to opposite angled positions of the seats 1,2, there is a small overlap portion in the transverse direction betweenthe seat pan 2.1 and the backrest 1.2.

Optionally, each seat 1, 2 may comprise an additional leg-rest. Forinstance, each seat 1, 2 can be brought into one or more positions, e.g.into a taxi, take-off, landing position, designated as “TTL” or“TT&L”-position P1, an inclined position and/or a sleeping-position P2.Particularly, in the sleeping-position P2 the seat pan 1.1, 2.1, thebackrest 1.2, 2.2 and optionally the leg-rest are brought into asubstantially flat, horizontal position.

The seats 1, 2 are movable along their respective seat axis sa, sa′between the TTL-position P1 and the sleeping-position P2. It is to beunderstood that the respective seat axis sa, sa′ corresponds to alongitudinal extension direction of each seat 1, 2. For instance, therespective seat axes sa, sa′ intersects in a convergence point behindthe front seat 1. In particular, due to the advantageous staggeredarrangement of the described angled seats 1, 2 (slightly offsetarrangement and densely arranged one behind another) the convergencepoint is in a backrest area of the rear seat 2.

The passenger module M comprises a rear partition wall 5 which isconfigured, starting from the first side element FE, to extend behindthe rear seat 2 in the direction towards the second side element SE.

Further, the passenger module M comprises a front partition wall 6 whichis configured, starting from the first side element FE, to extendbetween the rear seat 2 and the front seat 1 in the direction towardsthe second side element SE, and which is configured to separate a rearpassenger seating area 2A and a front passenger seating area 1A.Thereby, due to the greater angle β the passenger access path 2.3(egress) to access the rear seat 2 can be achieved within the rearpassenger seating area 2A. In particular, the passenger access path 2.3is arranged between the rear partition wall 5 and the front partitionwall 6.

Further, legroom 2.4 for a passenger of the rear passenger seating area2A is formed within the rear passenger seating area 2A. Both, thepassenger access path 2.3 and the legroom 2.4 are module-internal.

The passenger access path 1.3 for a passenger of the front seat 1 isarranged extending along the front partition wall 6 in the directiontowards the second side element SE. Legroom 1.4 for the passenger of thefront seat 1 is provided directly in front of the front seat 1, whereinthe passenger access path 1.3 is connecting the legroom 1.4. Thereby, itcould be said that the passenger access path 1.3 and the legroom 1.4 aremodule-external.

Furthermore, the first side element FE is configured as a front consoleelement 1.5 and a rear console element 2.5 arranged adjacent to eachseat 1, 2 and each console element 1.5, 2.5 comprises at least a utilitysurface and/or storage compartments for a corresponding passenger ofeach seat 1, 2.

In a repeating pattern, wherein at least two identical passenger modulesM are arranged behind another, the console elements 1.5 to 2.5 are allarranged behind another. For example, the console elements 1.5 to 2.5are arranged behind another at the cabin wall 3.1. In particular, theconsole elements 1.5 to 2.5 are substantially aligned with the cabinwall 3.1 and extending along the cabin wall 3.1. Further, the frontconsole element 1.5 is arranged in front of the corresponding rearconsole element 2.5. For example, the front console element 1.5 and therear console element 2.5 are separated by the partition wall 6.

In an embodiment, the front console element 1.5 and the rear consoleelement 2.5 are forming a substantially connected unit in theirextending direction.

The utility surface for the corresponding passenger of the each seat 1,2 is provided by an upper surface 1.5.1, 2.5.1 of each console element1.5, 2.5. For example, the utility surface can comprise a shelf, atable, storage space and storage means. The storage means can providestorage space for a remote control, magazines, suitcases, shoes,headphones or other items belonging to the passenger or airline.Additionally, the utility surface can comprise service and operationalelements, such as switches and HMI-panel to control operable features ofeach passenger seating area 1A, 2A.

Additionally, the second side element SE is configured as a compartmentelement 7 having a footwell 9 for the passenger of the rear seat 2. Forinstance, the adjustable seat 2 can be brought into thesleeping-position P2, in particular a bed position, such that the seat 2is partially projecting into the footwell 9. Therefore, the compartmentelement 7 and a footwell space can be seen as an extension space for therear passenger. When the seat is brought into the sleeping-position P2,the seat pan 2.1 or optionally a leg-rest can come into contact with asupport surface portion 9.1 arranged inside the footwell 9 as shown inFIG. 9 such that a sleeping surface is extended for the rear passenger.The support surface portion 9.1 has a corresponding shape with a shapeof the seat pan 2.1 or optionally the leg-rest.

FIG. 3 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passengerseating arrangement PA comprising two passenger modules M arranged onebehind another.

When two passenger modules M are arranged behind another the frontpassenger seating area 1A of a rear passenger module M, itscorresponding legroom 1.4 and passenger access path 1.3 are delimited bythe rear partition wall 5 of the front passenger module M.

When two passenger modules M are arranged behind another the rear seatconsole element 2.5 of the front passenger module M comprises a footwell9 for the passenger of the front seat 1 of the rear passenger module M.Further, each console element 1.5, 2.5 can comprise the support surfaceportion 9.1 as shown in FIG. 9 which is fixed inside the footwell space.

In one embodiment, the front seat console element 1.5 and the rear seatconsole element 2.5 of the front passenger module M are configured toform an extended footwell for the passenger of the front seat 1 of therear passenger module M.

In the shown embodiment, the compartment element 7 comprises a movabletray table 8 for the passenger of the rear seat 2, wherein the traytable 8 is stowed within the compartment element 7 in a non-use positionP3 and is deployed towards the rear seat 2 in a use-position P4. Forinstance, the tray table 8 is bi-foldable. In the stowed non-useposition P3, the tray table 8 is folded to form a smaller stowable tablesurface. In the deployed use-position P4 the tray table 8 can beunfolded, e.g. turned, swung or opened up, by the passenger to form abigger usable table surface.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, an armrest 1.6 is arranged withinthe at least one of the passenger seating areas 1A, 2A. The armrest 1.6can be seen in FIG. 3 within the front passenger seating area 1A of therear passenger module M. The armrest 1.6 is substantiallytriangular-shaped. In particular, the armrest 1.6 is positioned adjacentto the seat 1 on a seat side oriented towards the passenger access path1.3. As seen, the armrest 1.6 is fitted into a gap formed between thepartition wall 6 and the seat 1.

For example, each partition wall 5, 6 is configured, starting from thefirst side element FE, to comprise a substantially first wall section5.1, 6.1. The first wall section 5.1, 6.1 extends straight from thefirst side element FE towards the corresponding seat 1, 2, in particulartoward a rear portion of each backrest 1.2, 2.2. Each partition wall 5,6 comprises a second wall section 5.2, 6.2 which is angled away from thefirst wall section 5.1, 6.1 in the direction towards the second sideelement SE. The second wall section 5.2, 6.2 extends substantiallystraight. For instance, the second side element SE is positioned offsetfrom the first side element FE with respect to the longitudinaldirection and flight direction F. The second wall section 5.2, 6.2extends behind the seat 1, 2 towards the offset, more forwardly arrangedsecond side element SE. Additionally, each partition wall 5, 6 comprisesan optional curved section 5.3, 6.3 which is configured connecting thefirst wall section 5.1, 6.1 and the second wall section 5.2, 6.2.Particularly, each curved section 5.3, 6.3 is configured to at leastpartially enclose the backrest 1.2, 2.2 and/or to extend behind, inparticular along, the rear portion of the backrest 1.2, 2.2.

Moreover, the front partition wall 6 is configured to form acontinuously running wall between the first side element FE and thesecond side element SE. That means that the front seat 1 and the rearseat 2 are fully separated in the transverse direction. Therefore, thesecond wall section 6.2 of the front partition wall 6 is extendedtowards the second side element SE. In particular, the front partitionwall 6 connects the first side element FE and the second side elementSE. According to an embodiment, the front partition wall 6 is configuredto continuously extend between the outer side walls 4.1, 4.2 of the sideelements FE, SE. For example, the front partition wall 6 is configuredto connect the outer side walls 4.1, 4.2 of the first and second sideelements FE, SE.

The second wall section 6.2 of the front partition wall 6 is extendingaway from the front seat 1 towards the second side element SE, whereasthe front seat 1 is positioned angled in the direction towards the firstside element FE. Thus, the gap is formed between the front seat 1 andthe second wall section 6.2 of the front partition wall 6. To support anentrance to and an egress from the seat 1, the armrest 1.6 is tiltable.In particular, the armrest 1.6 is configured as a hinged armrest 1.6.The armrest 1.6 is tiltable arranged on the front partition wall 6,particularly movable fixed to a front surface of the front partitionwall 6. For instance, the armrest 1.6 is tiltable attached to the secondwall section 6.2 via hinge elements 1.6.1 or the like.

The armrest 1.6 rotates up to go against the front partition wall 6, inparticular against the front surface of the second wall section 6.2 ofthe front partition wall 6. A top surface which is used to support armsof the front seat passenger aligns with the front surface of the secondwall section 6.2 in a upwards rotated position, particularly a stowedposition. In a use position, the armrest 1.6 is rotated downwards awayfrom the front partition wall 6. The stowed armrest position allows amore comfortable egress and entrance and a greater egress and entrancespace from/to the seat 1. Moreover, a stowed armrest 1.6 allows acreation of a free vertical space adjacent to the seat 1, for examplewhen the seat 1 is in sleeping-position P2.

In the shown embodiment, an access divider element 10 is provided toseparate the passenger access path 1.3, 2.3 when at least two passengermodules M are arranged behind another. The access divider element 10 is,for example, shaped as a wall-like element which extends from the rearpartition wall 5 towards the second side element SE. The access dividerelement 10 separates the front passenger access path 1.3 from the rearpassenger access path 2.3 in the longitudinal direction. For example,the access divider element 10 creates private passenger access paths1.3, 2.3. The access divider element 10 is an optional element.

FIG. 4 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passengerseating arrangement PA comprising a plurality of identical passengermodules M.

In the shown embodiment, the passenger modules M are arranged one behindanother in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle cabin 3 and adjacentto each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin 3.

In particular, each first side element FE is configured to be arrangedadjacent a cabin wall 3.1 of the vehicle cabin 3 and each second sideelement SE is configured bordering an aisle 3.2 of the vehicle cabin 3.

The identical passenger modules M are arranged along two columns C1, C2,wherein the columns C1, C2 are separated by the aisle 3.2. Particularly,the passenger modules M are separated by the aisle 3.2 and are arrangedsymmetrically identical with respect to the central axis ca of the aisle3.2. That means, the passenger modules M of the first column C1 are allmirrored around the central axis ca or vice versa.

FIG. 5 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of the vehiclecabin 3 having the passenger seating arrangement PA with a plurality ofidentical passenger modules M.

The shown vehicle cabin 3 comprises the two columns C1, C2 each arrangedalong a cabin wall 3.1, wherein the aisle 3.2 is arranged between thetwo columns C1, C2.

In particular, a so-called 2-2 passenger seating arrangement PA for anarrow cabin body is shown. The passenger modules M are arranged onebehind another in each column C1, C2.

Depending on an interior space of the vehicle cabin 3, a number ofpassenger modules M can be varied. Further, the number of passengermodules M can varied as desired by e.g. an airline itself. The term“interior space” is understood as comprising dimensions of the vehiclecabin 3, in particular a length and a width of at least a passengercarrying compartment of the vehicle. The length of the passengercarrying compartment affects a length of each column C1, C2, inparticular the number of passenger modules M arranged behind each otherwithin each column C1, C2. The width of the passenger carryingcompartment affects a number of columns C1, C2 arranged next to eachother in a transverse direction of the vehicle cabin 3. For instance,the cabin 3 can comprise one or more outer columns C1, C2 along eachvehicle cabin wall 3.1 and one or more center columns arranged betweenthe outer columns C1, C2. Thereby, the center columns can be separatedfrom the outer columns C1, C2 and/or from each other by aisles.

FIG. 6 shows schematically a perspective view of an embodiment of thepassenger seating arrangement PA within the vehicle cabin 3.

FIG. 7 shows schematically a perspective front view of an embodimentpassenger module M comprising two seats 1, 2 each shown in aTTL-position P1.

The passenger module M comprises a first side element FE and a secondside element SE. The first side element FE and the second side elementSE are arranged distanced from each other while extending parallel toeach other. In particular, the first and second side elements FE, SE areextending parallel to the longitudinal axis x.

The first side element FE comprises a front console element 1.5 which isarranged adjacent the front seat 1. The front console element 1.5comprises an upper surface 1.5.1 which can be used as an armrest by thefront seat passenger or as a shelf to put down items such as a cup,magazines, entertainment devices etc.

In the shown embodiment, the front console 1.5 comprises a lower consoleportion 1.5.2, wherein the upper surface 1.5.1 is distanced from thelower console portion 1.5.2 in vertical direction. A space formedbetween the upper surface 1.5.1 and the lower console portion 1.5.2 canbe used as storage and/or a lateral bed extension when the seat 1 is inthe sleeping-position P2.

FIG. 8A shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of a passengerseating arrangement PA comprising two passenger modules M arrangedbehind another.

FIG. 8B shows schematically a perspective side view of the passengerseating arrangement PA according to FIG. 8A.

As shown in the FIGS. 8A and 8B the previously in FIG. 3 shown accessdivider element 10 can be excluded. This allows more access space 11 forthe rear passenger of the front passenger module M as well as the frontpassenger of the rear passenger module M.

Further, FIGS. 8A and 8B show an embodiment of a tray table 8 which isnot foldable but comprises dimensions which correspond with dimensionsof the first and second side elements FE, SE such that the tray table 8is fully stowable within the first and second side elements FE, SE whenarranged in the non-use position P3.

FIG. 9 shows schematically a perspective view of an embodiment of asecond side element SE of the passenger module M. For example, thesecond side element SE is configured as a compartment element 7 having afootwell 9 for a passenger of a rear seat 2. For instance, theadjustable seat 2 can be brought into the sleeping-position P2, inparticular a bed position, such that the seat 2 is partially projectinginto the footwell 9. Therefore, the compartment element 7 and a footwellspace can be seen as an extension space for the rear passenger. When theseat is brought into the sleeping-position P2, the seat pan 2.1 oroptionally a leg-rest can come into contact with a support surfaceportion 9.1 arranged inside the footwell 9 such that a sleeping surfaceis extended for the rear passenger. The support surface portion 9.1 hasa corresponding shape with a shape of the seat pan 2.1 or optionally theleg-rest.

1. A passenger module for a vehicle cabin, the passenger modulecomprising: a first side element, a second side element; and two seatsarranged between the first side element and the second side element;wherein the first side element and the second side element extendingparallel to each other; the seats are arranged substantially one behindanother and facing substantially in a same direction; wherein a frontseat is positioned angled by a predefined first angle around itsvertical axis in a direction towards the first side element; and atleast the first side element is arranged adjacent a cabin wall andextending laterally adjacent to at least one of the seats; wherein anouter side wall of the first side element extends parallel to alongitudinal axis of the vehicle cabin and an inner side wall of thefirst side element extends parallel to a seat axis of the front seat andat least the second side element is arranged adjacent to an aisle andextending laterally adjacent to the front seat; wherein an outer sidewall of the second side element extends parallel to a longitudinal axisof the aisle and an inner side wall of the second side element extendsparallel to a seat axis of the rear seat; and wherein each side elementis forming one of a console element or a compartment element.
 2. Thepassenger module according to claim 1, wherein a rear seat is positionedangled by a predefined second angle around its vertical axis in adirection towards the second side element.
 3. The passenger moduleaccording to claim 1, wherein a dimension of each of the first sideelement and the second side element decreases from a side pointing in adirection towards a rear seat to a side pointing in a direction towardsa front seat.
 4. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein eachof the side elements comprises a substantially triangular shape.
 5. Thepassenger module according to claim 1, wherein the first angle and thesecond angle differ from each other.
 6. The passenger module accordingto claim 1, wherein each seat has a direct access to an aisle of thevehicle cabin.
 7. The passenger module according to claim 1, furthercomprising a rear partition wall which is configured, starting from thefirst side element, to extend behind the rear seat in the directiontowards the second side element.
 8. The passenger module according toclaim 1, further comprising a front partition wall which is configured,starting from the first side element, to extend between the rear seatand the front seat in the direction towards the second side element. 9.The passenger module according to claim 8, wherein the front partitionwall is configured to separate a rear passenger seating area and a frontpassenger seating area.
 10. The passenger module according to claim 8,wherein the front partition wall is configured to form a continuouslyrunning wall between the first side element and the second side element.11. The passenger module according to claim 8, wherein a passengeraccess path for a passenger of the rear seat is arranged behind thefront partition wall extending in the direction towards the second sideelement.
 12. The passenger module according to claim 8, wherein apassenger access path for a passenger of the front seat is arranged infront of the front partition wall extending in the direction towards thesecond side element.
 13. The passenger module according to claim 1,wherein the first angle is about 5° to 18° with respect to the firstside element.
 14. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein thesecond angle is about 20° to 40° with respect to the second sideelement.
 15. The passenger module according to claim 1, wherein thefirst side element having a front console element and a rear consoleelement arranged adjacent to each seat and each console element at leasthaving a utility surface and storage compartments for a correspondingpassenger of each seat.
 16. The passenger module according to claim 1,wherein the second side element is configured as the compartment elementhaving a footwell for a rear seat passenger.
 17. A passenger seatingarrangement for a vehicle cabin comprising at least two identicalpassenger modules according to claim 1, wherein the passenger modulesare arranged one behind another in a longitudinal direction of thevehicle cabin or adjacent to each other in a transverse direction of thevehicle cabin.
 18. The passenger seating arrangement according to claim17, wherein when at least two passenger modules are arranged behindanother the front passenger seating area of a rear passenger module acorresponding legroom and passenger access path are delimited by therear partition wall of the front passenger module.
 19. The passengerseating arrangement according to claim 17, wherein when at least twopassenger modules are arranged behind another the rear console elementof the front passenger module having a footwell for the front seatpassenger of the rear passenger module.
 20. The passenger seatingarrangement according to claim 17, wherein the front console element andthe rear console element of the front passenger module are configured toform an extended footwell for the front seat passenger of the rearpassenger module.